Rice Block Support Recovery Housing for Women

The Rice Block, located in Strathcona, is a women-only pre-and post-stabilization housing program for women who are seeking support to reduce and or stop their problematic use of substances.

There are 10 beds available for women who have completed detox and are waiting for a bed in treatment, as well as 28 beds available for women who have completed treatment and are waiting to find safe, affordable, long-term housing.

Referrals are accepted primarily from detox and treatment centres and may be vetted through Vancouver Coastal Health’s central addition intake (CAIT) system or BC Housing’s supported housing registry (SHR).

In addition to housing, staff coordinate a community kitchen program, in which all women are encouraged to participate.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) provides nursing support on site at minimum 15 hours each week. In addition, VCH provides a specialized therapist.

Atira offers 16-Steps for Discovery and Empowerment groups on site - The 16-step empowerment model is a wholistic approach to overcoming struggles with substance use that views women in their wholeness– mind, body and spirit. More information about the 16 Steps can be found here: http://charlottekasl.com/16-step-program/

ReDiscover Parenting groups are also offered on site. Rediscover Parenting is a 15-week support group for women who have experienced violence/abuse. Participants are provided an opportunity to rediscover parenting for themselves. The curriculum is designed as an exploratory process that moves women from the outside in, that is, from examining the influences of society, family of origin and experiences of abuse/trauma to examining one's self. The curriculum acknowledges the impact that violence against women has on the mother-child relationship and the challenges that women and children face in living free from violence/abuse.

The Rice Block is also home to the Enterprising Women Making Art storefront and maker studio, a social enterprise that supports women making art, and earning income.

Support Staff Line: 604-253-2553

Referral Processes

You can call the Rice Block directly to self-refer, or to refer a woman you are supporting.

Referrals for the 2nd Floor transitional program are typically made through Vancouver Coastal Health’s Central Addiction Intake Team but you can also call The Rice Block directly to speak to staff.